Checked out the Aprilia RS457: Key comparo points vs the Duke 390

Front forks are stiff. Probably as stiff as the new Duke 390.

BHPian hikozaru recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Checked it out and if there is one thing that stuck in my mind, it was the incredibly comfy ergos. So much room to move around, nicely shaped tank, light throttle, light clutch, brake lever is reachable, footpegs seem grippy at least a standstill, very nice heel plates.

Front forks are stiff. Probably as stiff as the new Duke 390. Rear shock seems to have a similar amount of sag for my weight. Unfortunately I couldn't really see what level the shock was at. The finish is objectively better than the duke 390 in some places but I cant help but feel the Duke 390 is nicer. It is like the Duke 390 executed plastic based design very well and the RS457 has just an average metal finish. The span adjustable levers, the nicer looking master cylinder, better switchgear on the duke, just feels nicer. Both dashes are good that I suspect it will ultimately come down whichever display has a higher refresh rate. The RS457 also suffers from yellow markings that plague the display bike like jaundice. I asked the guy if customer bikes will also be like that and he wasn't sure. The paint on the rims also looks terrible (which is true on all bikes), I think this would get better with some grime on it for a proper distressed look.

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